Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Vincent Cruywagen
Published on 2024-03-01 12:02:19
A recent psychiatric evaluation report from Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital has stated that Angelo Agrizzi, the whistleblower in the Bosasa scandal, is deemed fit to stand trial as confirmed by the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on February 29th. The report, compiled by three psychiatrists who assessed Agrizzi, indicated that he possesses the capacity to understand court proceedings, mount a competent defense, and does not exhibit any signs of psychosis. The only concern highlighted in the report pertains to Agrizzi’s physical health, particularly because he relies on constant oxygen support, which necessitates regular breaks for recovery during court proceedings.
The psychiatric evaluation also recommended that Agrizzi be given breaks or that court sessions be shortened to accommodate his medical needs and minimize any discomfort he may experience. Although Agrizzi was not physically present in court on the given day, he has been following the proceedings virtually as per the ruling of Judge David Makhoba, allowing him to attend his trial remotely. This marks the end of a prolonged three-year struggle to bring the two cases in which Agrizzi is implicated to court.
The first case involves a R1.8 billion fraud and corruption trial, where Agrizzi is accused alongside figures such as Lindi Mti, Patrick Gillingham, and Andries van Tonder, all associated with Bosasa and the Department of Correctional Services. The second case involves charges against Agrizzi and former ANC MP Vincent Smith in a separate corruption and fraud case linked to payments and services received from Bosasa and its late CEO, Gavin Watson. The explosive nature of the Bosasa scandal unraveled during Agrizzi’s damning testimony before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in January 2019, revealing widespread corruption during his tenure at Bosasa.
Agrizzi’s health concerns have been central to the delays in the trial proceedings, with his absence from court since October 2020 due to health complications, including a heart attack and various medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and renal failure. The court enlisted the expertise of medical professionals to determine Agrizzi’s fitness to stand trial, resulting in a panel of psychiatrists affirming his readiness to proceed with the trial.
Advocate Mannie Witz, Agrizzi’s legal representative, confirmed that Agrizzi had undergone extensive evaluations, culminating in the conclusion that despite his health challenges, he is mentally and emotionally capable of participating in the legal proceedings. The court subsequently decided to join the Smith case with the Bosasa case in order to streamline the process for all parties involved. The trial has been adjourned until April 26, 2024, and will be heard at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, marking a significant development in the long-awaited legal proceedings related to the Bosasa scandal.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
